The head of the General Medical Council, Charles Massey, has warned about a toxic culture of cover-up within NHS maternity services, which risks normalizing harm to mothers and babies, especially in high-pressure settings.

Data from the GMC shows that 27% of obstetrics and gynecology trainees feel hesitant to escalate patient concerns, with the specialty experiencing higher levels of stress, bullying, and feelings of being unsupported.

Massey highlighted that fear of speaking up among trainee doctors, driven by an unhealthy, tribal work environment, contributes to patient safety issues and the concealment of errors.

The investigation involves examining trusts such as Leeds, Gloucester, Mid and South Essex, and Sussex, with a broader system-wide review to develop strategies for improving care.

Baroness Amos, leading the investigation, stressed the importance of creating a culture where healthcare workers feel safe to report issues, aligning with concerns about the toxic environment in NHS maternity services.

She also emphasized that addressing the culture of silence and fear within NHS hospitals is crucial to preventing tragedies and improving accountability.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched a national investigation into NHS maternity services, focusing on trusts with recent scandals, aiming to improve care through a comprehensive review and a new taskforce.

The investigation involves 14 trusts across England, with preliminary findings expected in December, and is supported by a maternity and neonatal taskforce including experts and bereaved families to learn from past tragedies.

This systemic review, announced in June and led by Valerie Amos, aims to identify lessons and develop unified actions to enhance NHS maternity and neonatal care.

Massey called for greater mutual respect among healthcare professionals and urged employers to foster inclusive, supportive workplaces to prevent harm and promote transparency.

There is widespread concern that healthcare staff do not feel safe or supported in raising issues, highlighting the urgent need for cultural change to prioritize safe, transparent care.

Experts warn that the pressures and unhealthy environments in NHS maternity services create conditions where preventable tragedies can occur, affecting both mothers and infants.